SPEED, HEART, AND SOUL, 5min., USA Directed by Orlando Mendesv Nick, a 17-year-old race driver, has spent his life chasing speed, but now, the stakes are higher than ever. Haunted by the loss of his older brother in a Formula 1 crash and with his little sister trapped in an unbreakable coma, Nick is thrust into a race unlike any other—a race that isn’t just about winning but about facing his fears and rewriting destiny.
antisocial, 2min., Germany Directed by Tobias Rothacker I am the hero, I’ll remain, See only me, push you away, Embrace destruction, face the pain, Transforming swiftly in my own domain!
The Corner Room, 15min., USA Directed by Gita Farid An homage to the tragic ending of the Ann Frank story. It always saddened me that Ann Frank didn’t survive to see the Liberation although it was only months away. Two women hidden in an attic apartment in the Jewish Quarter in a town in Poland are joined by their younger brother, a fighter in the Resistance. There is a round-up…
Last Touch, 25min., Uzbekistan Directed by Gulnara Ivanova This is the story of a man trapped in a cycle of self-punishment, unable to break free from the torment of his own guilt. Each day, he finds new ways to inflict pain upon himself, believing it to be penance for his past mistakes. Blind to the damage he’s causing, he begins to destroy not only himself but also the world around him—relationships, opportunities, and dreams crumble under the weight of his relentless self-blame. It is only when he confronts the truth—that forgiveness must come from within—that he can hope to heal and rebuild the shattered pieces of his life.
Akashic Spheres, 11min., USA Directed by James Scott Mystical orbs hold the power to control the multiverse are being sought by dark forces who plan to use them for evil. Captain Everest must find them first to save mankind.
The Corner Room, 15min., USA Directed by Gita Farid An homage to the tragic ending of the Ann Frank story. It always saddened me that Ann Frank didn’t survive to see the Liberation although it was only months away. Two women hidden in an attic apartment in the Jewish Quarter in a town in Poland are joined by their younger brother, a fighter in the Resistance. There is a round-up…
SPEED, HEART, AND SOUL, 5min., USA Directed by Orlando Mendesv Nick, a 17-year-old race driver, has spent his life chasing speed, but now, the stakes are higher than ever. Haunted by the loss of his older brother in a Formula 1 crash and with his little sister trapped in an unbreakable coma, Nick is thrust into a race unlike any other—a race that isn’t just about winning but about facing his fears and rewriting destiny.
Vertigo Spritz, 15min., Italy Directed by Cecilia Brianza A fight in the night in Milan. A man slips into a vortex of misadventures beyond his control.
antisocial, 2min., Germany Directed by Tobias Rothacker I am the hero, I’ll remain, See only me, push you away, Embrace destruction, face the pain, Transforming swiftly in my own domain!
Akashic Spheres, 11min., USA Directed by James Scott Mystical orbs hold the power to control the multiverse are being sought by dark forces who plan to use them for evil. Captain Everest must find them first to save mankind.
Last Touch, 25min., Uzbekistan Directed by Gulnara Ivanova This is the story of a man trapped in a cycle of self-punishment, unable to break free from the torment of his own guilt. Each day, he finds new ways to inflict pain upon himself, believing it to be penance for his past mistakes. Blind to the damage he’s causing, he begins to destroy not only himself but also the world around him—relationships, opportunities, and dreams crumble under the weight of his relentless self-blame. It is only when he confronts the truth—that forgiveness must come from within—that he can hope to heal and rebuild the shattered pieces of his life.
HAPPY PLACES, 20min., USA Directed by Nich Frost A mysterious stranger interrupts the evening of a seemingly normal family to visit his childhood home. But his presence progresses towards a possibly ominous outcome.
MAUTHAUSEN, 10min., Greece Directed by Panagiotis Kountouras, Aristarchos Papadaniel Swan song of the world-renowned Greek composer, freedom fighter and cultural icon Mikis Theodorakis (ZORBA, Z, Serpico). Resurrecting the memory of the concentration camp survivor and founder of the modern Greek post-war theatre Iakovos Kambanellis.
clipping. – Run It, 5min., USA Directed by Lawrence P. Klein Sub Pop Music Video – International Spy Game of Shadow characters and conspiracies set to the clipping. style of cyberpunk future,
I’m back, 4min., Ukraine Directed by Ilya Noyabrev “I’m back” is a heartfelt song about coming back home after a long absence. The singer reflects on the warmth and familiarity of her homeland, where every breath feels easier and every moment more meaningful. Through vivid imagery of maternal love and the embrace of the earth, the song captures the deep emotional connection to one’s roots, offering a sense of peace, freedom, and rediscovered desire for life.
Cabaré, 6min., Brazil Directed by Emerson de Lucca Brandt Drama, body, poetry. Dude São Thiago breathes new fire into brazilians João Bosco & Aldir Blanc’s classic “Cabaré”—a standout from his debut double album O Sexo do Vento. This isn’t just a cover—it’s a reinvention. A ritual. A reclamation.
It was fun to chat with Kayla Adams, a definite artist on the rise. She gives us the insight on being a female stunt performer on Hollywood productions and moving to working as an actress (who can also do her own stunts!)
Matthew Toffolo: Oblivion was your first credited film? Quite the introduction: working on a large budget Hollywood film. How did you get initially hired to work on that film? How was the Tom Cruise experience?
Kayla Adams: Oblivion was my first experience on a feature film. I had booked commercials prior to Oblivion, but this was my first time working on a feature for the run of the show. I was like a sponge, soaking everything up. Initially I was hired as the Stunt Department Assistant which provided me with so much inside knowledge of the filmmaking process. As the project went on, the Stunt Coordinators, Robert Alonzo and Joe Box, knew I was very athletic and trained in acting so they threw me into a stunt performing spot that I was physically capable doing. It was a week in New Orleans in an old, leaky, basically condemned power plant. We had to shut down one day due to flooding! And that’s how I got my SAG card! Working with Tom is like being greatly inspired and challenged all at once. His level of dedication, professionalism and creativity is infectious and can only drive you to be the same. The film sets are some of the tightest run sets I’ve worked on, simply because efficiency is the only option when working with Tom. Outside of all the work, he’s truly a kind, welcoming man. Each time I’ve seen him since Oblivion he always welcomes me with a big hug and expresses genuine interest in you. I hope for the day to work on set as an actor with Tom.
PHOTO: Kayla with Tom Cruise, and Stunt Coordinator Robert Alonzo:
Matthew: How did you get into the stunt game? Did you take an extensive course(s)? How much time do you spend weekly working on your craft?
Kayla: I got into stunts through Oblivion. I grew up doing gymnastics, so strength and flexibility has been in my body since I was a kid. I didn’t pursue stunts as much as I pursued acting; However sometimes the universe gives you a path that you don’t plan for. I train in Martial Arts with Richard Alonzo who is a 3rd degree black belt and is an amazing teacher. Since my last stunt performing gig on Deadpool I have decided to pour my energies back into acting. Trying to excel in stunts and acting is nearly impossible as both crafts require a large amount time. That’s not to say I don’t stay physically fit and prepared for stunt roles, I just don’t actively pursue it as much anymore.
Matthew: As of this interview, the film “Deadpool” is out in theaters. The first blockbuster of 2016. How was that experience? Was it a hush-hush set?
Kayla: Deadpool. That was one heck of an experience. I am so grateful to be apart of that project. There was so many moments when I had to hold back laughter between the banter with TJ Miller and Ryan Reynolds characters. The bar fight scene where I played the waitress, Kelly, was one of those moments. TJ kept improving new lines and I was trying my hardest not to crack up each time. Working with the director, Tim Miller, and the writers, Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, was an honour. They are so talented and dedicated to their work, yet stay so humble and make coming to work each day a pleasure.
Again, I worked on it for the run of the show so the amount of time and passion put into this film was huge. Being apart of the cast and crew for that many months developments a bond and comfortability that you just don’t get when you walk on as a day player. The set etiquette with privacy and keeping things quiet was similar to many big budget films I’ve worked on. However there was one particular paparazzi that continually followed us around snapping photos of Ryan in the red suit. But I hate to break it to the paps, it was most likely our stunt double in the same suit!
PHOTO: Kayla on set on Deadpool:
Matthew: You are also an actor (without the stunts). Is acting where you see your future in Hollywood?
Kayla: I can say a line or two Yes acting is definitely where my future is. I just finished shooting a feature film called HEX where I play a character who is a super talented skydiver about to stumble into a stream of bad luck. Keep your eyes open for that project! Over the past few years, my passion and love for the craft and the business has really developed and become my main focus.
Matthew: What’s it like being a female in the “boys” club of the stunt performers on set?
Kayla: Haha…well… Speaking only for myself, I love it! I’m a bit of a tomboy myself so it can be fun hanging out with a bunch of guys all day. I think sometimes they are shocked when they hear me crack jokes with them, but in reality I’ve been very lucky to work with some of the best stunt performers in the business and they are all very respectful and kind hearted people. I am lucky to be apart of the boys club
Matthew: We are seeing a lot more female driven action/thriller films being produced in Hollywood. One would assume that is good for you because they obviously need female stunt performers. Is the future bright for female stunt performers like yourself?
Kayla: There’s a bright future for myself being the Female lead in these action thriller films! That would be my dream role. I love strong, badass female characters with heart. And the bonus is I could do most of my own stunts. Thats if the studio lets me
Matthew: What film, besides the ones you’ve worked on, have you seen the most in your life?
Kayla: It tends to vary depending on what I’m feeling at that time in my life. The movies I gravitate towards generally mirror something I’m going through or needing to see. Generally speaking, I love the film “It’s Complicated” with Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin.
Matthew: “The Woods” is another film you worked on that is also coming out in 2016. Can you give us a sneak peak of what to expect? What was your role on that film?
Kayla: The Woods was a super creepy set! They built the cabin inside a sound stage and it felt so real. The stunt coordinator, Loyd Bateman, called me in to double the lead actress. It was a sequence in the cabin and involved a lot of blood! I don’t think I can say much else, other than IT’S GOING TO BE SCARY!!
Matthew: Have you had any minor or major injuries working as a stunt performer?
Kayla: Thankfully no.
Matthew: What’s the biggest high risk stunt you’ve performed to date?
Kayla: Oddly enough, some of the smallest stunts can become high risk. Not to minimize the risk of any stunt at any level, but there is always a large amount of risk involved. I haven’t had to perform something where I felt it was out of my ability that could be deemed as “high risk.” I’ve been selective with that as acting is my main focus now and that plays a huge part when taking stunt jobs.
Matthew: Do you have a stunt that you love to perform in a movie that you haven’t performed yet?
Kayla: DRIVING/CAR CHASE SEQUENCE!
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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto on the last Thursday of every single month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.
Crisis Point, 3min., Romania Directed by Valentin Raileanu As a result of resource depletion, a virus outbreak stripping the afflicted of what makes them human and finally, war, humanity’s sovereignty has fallen. In dwindling numbers, the survivors have been driven out of their homes in the search for safety, while a former soldier travels through the toxic environment in search of a cure.
What motivated you to make this film? Valentin Raileanu, a talented and successful stuntman, fight choreographer, camera operator, and my mentor in this wonderful field, has always had a passion for filmmaking and a wealth of insane ideas to bring to life. This passion led him to explore the subtleties of being a film director. When he proposed the idea of a post-apocalyptic short to me, I immediately knew we had to do it. I fell in love with the concept of showcasing a violent and harsh reality as a consequence of human recklessness. It was also a great opportunity for me to put my newly learned stunt skills to the test. Since I was young, I’ve loved acting and dreamed of participating in film festivals with my own projects. Even though this isn’t our first project together, it is the first one we’re submitting to festivals.
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? Approximately 10 weeks in total, give or take a few days. Pre-production lasted 5 weeks (for choreography, camera rehearsal, and preview), followed by 1 week of shooting, and another 4 weeks for post-production (editing and FX).
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